The University of Parma redesigned the International Politics course of the Master in European and International Relations, to incorporate an Engaged Learning element aimed to increase connections between university students and local stakeholders working on international issues, and to increase the knowledge acquired by students to a) inform the public about international political dynamics, and b) raise awareness of the work carried out by local non-governmental organisations in conflict zones.
A greater focus was given to issues rather than theory, and student engagement in class discussion was encouraged throughout the course. These changes provided students with the opportunity to think, share ideas and discuss how to make academic concepts accessible for ordinary citizens.
Engaged Learning Toolkit 